Concerns over rising electricity costs dominated discussions on Starr FM’s Morning Starr show as Ghanaians shared how much they spend on power each month, with some reporting bills as high as GH¢1,600.
While some households indicated they spend between GH¢150 and GH¢400 depending on usage, others lamented that their bills often spike due to appliances such as washing machines, air conditioners, microwaves, and irons.
Responding to these concerns, Dr. Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager of External Communications at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), clarified that tariffs are determined by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and not ECG. He stressed that the company only implements approved rates.
“ECG does not fix tariffs. The PURC approves them, and we apply the charges based on consumption, which includes energy charges, streetlight levies, and service fees,” Dr. Ayiku explained.
He noted that consumption patterns, the type of appliances used, and household habits significantly influence bills. High-consumption devices such as air conditioners, heaters, and refrigerators were highlighted as major drivers of costs. Dr. Ayiku also cautioned against “vampire loads”, standby power consumed by devices like televisions, chargers, and gaming consoles even when not in use.
“Sometimes we blame the meters, but often our own habits contribute. Leaving appliances plugged in, not ironing in bulk, or using inefficient appliances all add up,” he said.
On recurring complaints about faulty or fast-running meters, Dr. Ayiku admitted that while meters are calibrated, faults occasionally occur. He urged customers to report such issues for prompt investigation and replacement where necessary.
Addressing concerns over the unavailability of meters, he acknowledged that districts sometimes experience shortages but said arrangements are usually made to provide alternatives. He cautioned customers against falling victim to fraudsters posing as ECG agents, noting that while a few staff had been implicated in illegal dealings, they had faced sanctions.
Dr. Ayiku encouraged customers to always apply officially, either through ECG district offices or the ECG Power App, rather than relying on middlemen.
“We encourage the public to contact ECG directly, check our website, www.ecg.com.gh, or follow our social media platforms @ECGGhOfficial for any concerns, instead of listening to scammers or unofficial sources,” he emphasized.
With Ghanaians already struggling under high utility expenses, ECG’s response is expected to reassure the public while encouraging greater awareness of energy-efficient practices at home.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
